Dangerous heat index pounds 35 areas on Tuesday; Dagupan hits 49 °C

MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Dagupan City, Pangasinan breached the danger level anew at 49 °C on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Based on its computed heat index data as of 5:00 p.m., the following areas likewise experienced on Tuesday dangerous heat indices ranging from 42 to 47 °C:

47 °C 

• Aparri, Cagayan
• Roxas City, Capiz

46 °C 

• Bacnotan, La Union
• Virac, Catanduanes

45 °C 

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City
• Alabat, Quezon
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

44 °C 

• MMSU in Batac, Ilocos Norte
• Iba, Zambales
• Sangley Point, Cavite
• Ambulong in Tanauan, Batangas
• Dumangas, Iloilo
• Catarman, Northern Samar
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur

43 °C 

• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• Coron, Palawan
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur
• Iloilo City, Iloilo
• Maasin, Southern Leyte
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

42 °C 

• Sinait, Ilocos Sur
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• Baler, Aurora
• Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Olongapo City
• Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Daet, Camarines Norte
• Legazpi City, Albay
• Masbate City, Masbate
• Mambusao, Capiz
• Catbalogan, Samar
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar
• Davao City, Davao del Sur

Pagasa said heat index is “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

Heat indices ranging from 42°C to 51°C  fall under the “danger” category, and exposed persons are prone to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

To prevent the effects of intense heat,  the state weather bureau said the public must limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas, hats, and wear sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule strenuous activities on the cooler periods of the day.

It also noted that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

In cases of emergency, Pagasa advised the public to do the following:

• Move the person to a shaded spot and lie him or her down with legs elevated.
• If conscious, have the person sip cool water.
• Remove extra layers of clothing
• Apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation.
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
• If the condition of the person worsens, bring him or her to hospital immediately.